Plastic Surgery Confidential

Plastic surgery is a medical specialty that uses a number of surgical and nonsurgical techniques to change the appearance and function of a person’s body. Plastic surgery procedures include both cosmetic enhancements as well as functionally reconstructive operations. In the former case, where aesthetics are considered more important than functionality, plastic surgery is sometimes referred to as cosmetic surgery. Most procedures involve both aesthetic and functional elements.

The word “plastic” derives from the Greek plastikos meaning to mold or to shape; its use here is not connected with the synthetic polymer material known as plastic. Plastic surgeons typically mold and reshape the following body tissues: bone, cartilege, muscle, fat, and skin.

Introduction

The basic goals of Plastic Surgery include the following:

• correction of disfigurement
• restoration of impaired function
• improvement of physical appearance

During Plastic Surgery the following procedures are common:

• Tissue may be moved to fill a depression, to cover a wound, or to improve appearance.
• Tissue may be completely removed to alter the contours of a feature.

The benefits of Plastic Surgery include:

• correction of a congenital or acquired deformity.
• correction of a perceived physical imperfection.
• psychological benefits.